Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses his involvement in his local community and the importance of being directly engaged with residents. He talks about how understanding local issues comes from being present, listening, and actively participating in community discussions rather than relying on assumptions.

He also shares an example of community organizing around a proposed Smithfield facility, explaining how local residents raised concerns about environmental impacts, water access, and proximity to critical infrastructure like a hospital. The conversation highlights how local action and county-level decision-making played a role in stopping the project, with community opposition cited as a key factor.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses the lack of mental health resources in rural Kansas and the need to build stronger support systems. He talks about how isolation, financial stress, and economic pressures—especially in farming communities—contribute to mental health challenges. The conversation also highlights how limited access to services and the structure of rural work can make it difficult for people to seek help.

He also reflects on broader systemic factors affecting rural livelihoods, including market pressures and consolidation, and how those conditions can increase stress and instability for individuals and families.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses marijuana legalization and its potential role as a revenue source for the state. He talks about how legalization could create new funding streams while also addressing common perceptions around marijuana use. The conversation also explores how surrounding states with legalization impact Kansas, including the idea that effects are already present without the state receiving associated revenue.

He also reflects on broader policy considerations, including regulation, public perception, and how legalization could fit into long-term funding strategies for communities.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses how individuals can engage with government and where their efforts can have the most impact. The conversation emphasizes focusing on local and state-level involvement, where individuals are more likely to be heard and can directly influence decision-making.

He also discusses how government systems are structured across multiple levels, from federal to local, and how those layers interact to shape issues like taxation and public services. The conversation explores ideas around alternative revenue models, including permanent funds, and how those approaches could provide more stability while reducing reliance on taxes.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses the concept of neoliberalism and how it shapes economic and government systems. He explains the idea of prioritizing markets and private activity over public systems, and how that influences decisions around taxation, public services, and the role of government. The conversation also explores how these ideas connect to everyday experiences, including funding for public infrastructure and community resources.

He also reflects on how public investments like libraries, roads, and shared spaces contribute to community life, and how different policy approaches can affect access to those resources.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses rising property taxes and the impact on rural communities. He points to significant recent increases and explains how both local mill levies and state-level formulas influence property tax burdens. The conversation also touches on outside factors like housing market changes and population shifts that can affect valuations.

He also discusses past policies like the Local Ad Valorem Tax Relief program, which helped offset local tax burdens, and raises questions about how state policy decisions shape affordability in rural areas.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses his motivation for running and his focus on strengthening rural communities like Plainville. He talks about the need for rural areas to have more influence at the state and federal level, along with the importance of prioritizing core community needs over projects that may not deliver long-term value. The conversation also highlights local examples, including public projects, downtown vacancies, and efforts by individuals to reinvest in the community.

He also reflects on the economic shifts that have impacted local businesses and employment, along with how community connections and local engagement shape both economic activity and political organizing in rural areas.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses his professional background in grant writing and technical writing, where he worked with organizations to secure funding. He explains how changes in funding availability disrupted that work, as clients were no longer able to access or receive funds needed to pay for services. The conversation also highlights the challenges small businesses and organizations face when trying to build stability without consistent financial support.

He also shares how he adapted by taking on local work while considering next steps, including potential future paths like returning to school.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses the gap between government programs and public awareness, emphasizing how many available resources go unused because people simply do not know they exist. He talks about the lack of communication between local governments, state representatives, and residents, and how that creates barriers to accessing funding and development opportunities. The conversation also highlights how organizations designed to support communities are often unknown to the public until someone is already inside the system.

He also reflects on how complexity in government processes can discourage civic participation, along with broader economic pressures that make it difficult for people to relocate or improve their situation, reinforcing cycles of financial strain.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Mark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.com

In this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses housing challenges in rural communities, including the gap between construction costs and what local incomes can support. He talks about programs like moderate income housing (MIH), tax credits, and loan programs aimed at encouraging development, while also questioning why those efforts are not expanded. The conversation also explores how state funding priorities impact housing availability, with a focus on whether resources are being directed toward essential needs.

He also highlights the practical barriers to rural living, including limited job opportunities, rising construction costs, and lack of reliable infrastructure like internet, along with the unique housing mix found in smaller towns.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 110, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansashouse